Summer in Indiana can be a double challenge: scorching temperatures combined with oppressive humidity. If you’ve stepped outside in Fishers or Greenwood this July, you’ve likely felt that sticky, uncomfortable air that makes 85°F feel like 100°F or more. With humidity levels averaging around 81% in areas like Greenwood and reports of high humidity persisting through the month, it’s no wonder many homeowners are struggling with home humidity in summer. But did you know that high humidity doesn’t just affect how you feel—it also impacts your air conditioning system’s efficiency? At Absolute Comfort, we’re here to solve these issues for better indoor comfort beyond just temperature control. In this post, we’ll explain the science, spot the signs, and share practical tips on high humidity AC help to keep your home cool and dry.
Why Does High Humidity Make It Feel Hotter in Indiana Summers?
Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air, and in Indiana, summers are notorious for it. This July, Fishers and Greenwood have seen extremely high humidity, with muggy conditions often pushing the heat index well above the actual thermometer reading. The heat index accounts for how humidity hinders your body’s natural cooling process: when the air is saturated with moisture, sweat evaporates more slowly from your skin, making you feel hotter and more uncomfortable.
For instance, at 85°F with 80% humidity—common in our region this month—the heat index can climb to 95°F or higher. This not only affects outdoor activities but also seeps indoors, forcing your AC to work harder. Without proper management, high home humidity in summer can lead to higher energy bills and reduced cooling efficiency, as your system battles both heat and excess moisture.
How Your AC Helps Combat Humidity
Your air conditioner isn’t just a cooling machine; it’s also a built-in dehumidifier. As warm, humid air passes over the cold evaporator coils in your AC unit, the moisture condenses into water droplets and drains away, lowering indoor humidity levels. This process is why a well-functioning AC provides that crisp, comfortable feel during Indiana’s humid summers.
However, if your AC is undersized, outdated, or not properly maintained, it may not dehumidify effectively. Short cycling—when the system turns on and off quickly—reduces its ability to remove moisture, leaving your home feeling clammy. Regular maintenance from experts like Absolute Comfort ensures your AC delivers optimal high humidity AC help, keeping both temperature and moisture in check.
Signs of Excessive Indoor Humidity
Ignoring high humidity in summer can lead to discomfort and health risks. Here are common signs that your home humidity levels are too high:
- Clammy or Sticky Skin: Even with the AC running, you feel damp and uncomfortable indoors.
- Musty Odors and Mold Growth: Excess moisture fosters mold and mildew, which thrive in humid environments and can lead to respiratory issues.
- Condensation on Windows and Walls: Foggy windows or damp surfaces indicate poor humidity control.
- Higher Energy Bills: Your AC runs longer to compensate, spiking costs without achieving true comfort.
- Warped Wood or Peeling Paint: Prolonged exposure can damage furniture, floors.
If you’re in Fishers or Greenwood experiencing these amid this July’s high humidity, it’s time to assess your setup for better home humidity management.
Practical Ways to Reduce High Humidity in Your Home This Summer
Tackling high humidity doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Start with these effective, easy-to-implement tips to reduce excess moisture and keep your home comfortable:
1. Use Exhaust Fans Strategically
✅ Bathroom fans – Always run the fan during and for at least 20 minutes after showers to remove moist air.
✅ Kitchen fans – Use your range hood vent while cooking, boiling water, or running the dishwasher to expel steam before it spreads through the house.
2. Fix Leaks and Improve Ventilation
✅ Repair plumbing leaks promptly to prevent hidden moisture buildup under sinks or behind walls.
✅ Seal windows and doors to stop humid outdoor air from seeping in.
✅ Ventilate attics and crawl spaces using fans or proper vent installation to prevent stagnant humid air that feeds mold growth and wood rot.
3. Maintain Your AC System
✅ Replace filters monthly during peak cooling seasons to ensure optimal airflow and dehumidification.
✅ Schedule an annual AC tune-up to clean coils and check refrigerant levels, which helps your system remove humidity more efficiently.
✅ Set your thermostat to “Auto” rather than “On” to allow your AC to cycle properly and reduce moisture instead of just circulating humid air.
4. Adjust Indoor Habits
✅ Limit indoor plant clusters, as they release moisture into the air. Space them out or move some outdoors during peak humidity.
✅ Hang laundry outside instead of using indoor drying racks, which raise indoor humidity levels.
✅ Take shorter, cooler showers when possible to reduce steam production.
5. Add a Dehumidifier for Comprehensive Control
✅ Portable dehumidifiers can help in single rooms or damp basements.
✅ For whole-home comfort, consider installing a whole-home dehumidifier that integrates with your HVAC system to automatically remove excess moisture from every room. This is especially beneficial during Indiana’s humid summers, as it:
- Protects against mold and mildew growth
- Reduces dust mites and allergens
- Improves air quality for easier breathing
- Keeps your home feeling cooler and more comfortable, potentially lowering your cooling bills
Professional Solutions for Lasting Comfort
At Absolute Comfort, we specialize in installing and servicing whole-home dehumidifiers that run seamlessly with your AC, providing consistent moisture control without the hassle of emptying tanks or moving units room to room.
Whether you’re in Fishers, Greenwood, Westfield, or surrounding Indiana areas, our team can assess your humidity challenges and tailor a solution to your home’s exact needs.
💧 Don’t let muggy air ruin your summer comfort.
Contact us today for a free consultation and start enjoying a drier, healthier, and more comfortable home all season long.
Conclusion
High humidity in Indiana summers, especially with the extreme levels seen in Fishers and Greenwood this July, can turn your home uncomfortable and strain your AC. Understanding its impact and taking action— from simple tips to advanced solutions like dehumidifiers—positions you for better comfort. At Absolute Comfort, we’re your local problem-solvers for all things HVAC, ensuring your space stays cool, dry. Ready for high humidity AC help? Reach out today